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On Friday 24th November, 200 highways and transport professionals descended upon the Kinmel Hotel and Spa in Abergele to attend the CIHT Cymru Wales Awards Dinner 2023. The event recognised the industry excellence in Highways and Transportation in the Cymru Wales region, celebrating contributions from individuals and organisations.
The event opened with speeches from Gareth Smith, the CIHT Cymru Wales Chair with the response from the CIHT President, Karen McShane, who reminded us of the challenges and opportunities in the highways in transportation sector as well as the unique role CIHT plays in helping each of us meet these. Karen also educated us on the Irish connection with the Menai Suspension bridge. In the 1800s, all mail to and from Ireland that crossed the bridge was charged an extra penny per sheet as a means of meeting the expense for building the bridge.
Two special lifetime awards were presented to Alun Griffith CBE and Huw Jones MBE for services rendered to the highways and transportation industry acknowledging the pivotal role both have played in the development of vital infrastructure in Wales. Both recipients have, without hesitation, provided unwavering support to the CIHT Cymru Wales Region for many years for which the institution is extraordinarily grateful.
Guests were mesmerised by Philippa Tuttiett’s compelling, inspiring, and heart-warming story recounting her rise to rugby and construction stardom. A story full of tough choices, courage, perseverance, and chasing of dreams.
The awards were announced before the evening closed and the winners are listed below with a summary of the judges comments.
Lloyd Selby - Winner
Gwyn Davies - Highly Commended
The competition for the Emerging Professional Award was particularly stiff. As such, two entries were recognised. Gwyn Davies won highly commended for his knowledge of and involvement in Transport Planning and the winner of the Emerging Professional Award this year is Lloyd Selby.
The judges recognised not only Lloyd’s professional (engineering) knowledge and skills but also his personal involvement in the work of the professional institutions, in STEM and in the Governors for Schools initiative.
The Alun Griffiths Award for Health, Safety and Wellbeing was won by the Menai Suspension Bridge Emergency Works Project delivered by Spencer Bridge Engineering, COWI and UK Highways A55 Ltd.
The judges were impressed by the care and attention to detail displayed by the project team and in particular their ability to deliver an effective solution in a safe and efficient manner working at height and using materials that were readily available.
The Research Award was won by the Equitable Future Mobilities Study by Arup and The Urban Transport Group.
The judges were impressed what had been achieved within a relatively short period of time and particularly with their toolkit, which is thought provoking and aimed at encouraging better decision making, and which addresses the needs of all transport system users, particularly those with protected characteristics.
The Small and Medium Enterprise Award for Technical Excellence was won by the Pont Faen Renewal Project by MWT Civil Engineering and Conwy CBC.
The judges were impressed by the project team’s care and attention to detail which has allowed the sensitive strengthening and renewal of this historic, three-span, grade 2 listed structure which was previously at risk of collapse.
The Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award was won by the Governors for Schools Project by Atkins Realis and Governors for Schools.
The judges were impressed by this project which, 12 months ahead of schedule, has placed 70 STEM Governors who are projected to donate 22,512 hours of voluntary time to over 26,000 under-represented young people.
The Environmental Award was won by the Measures to reduce nitrogen dioxide on the Motorway and Trunk Road Network project by WSP, NMWTRA, SWTRA and Welsh Government.
The judges were impressed with the effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of this intervention, which has brought about significant reductions in the emission of harmful greenhouse gas emissions.
And finally, the 2023 CIHT Cymru Wales Infrastructure Award was won by the Menai Suspension Bridge Emergency Works Project delivered by Spencer Bridge Engineering, COWI and UK Highways Ltd.
The judges were particularly impressed with the care and attention to detail that has been shown by the project team in their assessment, appraisal and the safe delivery of an effective solution delivered at pace in a challenging environment.
As the formal proceedings came to a close, special thanks were given to John Mather, for his many years of service as head judge for the awards, and Kerry Evans, who has organised this event for almost 10 years and is handing the responsibility over to her capable successor as she embarks on her PhD journey. CIHT is deeply indebted to both Kerry and John for all their service over the years.
If you would like to get involved with the CIHT Cymru Wales committee or the CIHT Cymru Awards, please contact CIHT Cymru Wales on wales@ciht.org.uk. If you are interested in becoming a member, take a look at our membership options: CIHT Membership.
Join other savvy professionals just like you at CIHT. We are committed to fulfilling your professional development needs throughout your career
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